What is KTP?

What is KTP?

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way project, (usually for a 2 year period) that enables a company to work with a university or collegeto transfer knowledge and expertise from an academic into a business. This is done through a bright,enthusiastic graduate who has completed a degree in the appropriate discipline.

KTP really works. The company gains new knowledge to improve processes or procedures, the academic gets a chance to apply their research to a practical problem and the KTP Associate (the graduate) is employed in a fully salaried job, managing a project that is strategic to the company’s development and growth. Most KTP graduates are offered a full time role in the organisation and these positions are often management positions.

KTP positions are open to any suitably qualified individual, and you don’t have to be a graduate of the host university in order to apply. We usually require a 2.1 Honours degree in an appropriate discipline. If you have a 2.2 Honours Degree, you should also demonstrate either one year’s relevant experience, or a related higher degree. Each job has different requirements and you should remember to check the essential and desirable criteria for each job you apply for.

Benefits of Becoming a KTP Associate

There are lots of great opportunities out there for talented graduates and it can be difficult to decide which is right for you. However there are some elements that are unique to the KTP programme.

Managing a ProjectAs a KTP Associate, from the moment you start your job you will be managing a project that is recognised to be of vital importance for the company’s development plans – not something that happens in most graduate roles. The business that you work for is likely to be a small or medium sized company (SME) and therefore, can provide a very wide range of opportunities and most KTP Associates remain with their host company in a permanent job at the end of their projects. We often work with large companies as well and while the company’s size is an important element in terms of culture and working practices, you should focus on each job and make sure that it is a good fit for you and your skills and interests.

Links with a University
A close relationship with the academic partner is a great benefit to both the company and the KTP Associate. The opportunity to contribute to research papers and assist with developing case studies and teaching material is not normally offered in a graduate role, and you will be encouraged to attend conferences, trade shows, exhibitions and customers as part of the job.

Personal Development and Training
KTP Associates are expected to spend around 10% of their time on their own personal development activities. There are two KTP residential training modules that all Associates attend over two, one week periods near the start of their projects. These cover the skills you will need to manage your KTP projects and include time, people and project management training. You will also get to know your peer group as well. Around 20 KTP Associates, from all over the UK, and from a wide range of disciplines make up each cohort.

Funding for Training
On top of the training modules, all Associates have access to a standard budget of £2,000 per year for training and £2,250 for travel which can be used to develop your skills. A further £1,500 per year is available for necessary equipment or consumables.This spend will be agreed between you and your company and academic supervisors at your monthly technical meetings to keep the project on track.

How does KTP work?

As a KTP Associate you will be employed by your host university, but contracted to work in the company, under the company’s holidays, hours of work and basic terms and conditions. You can find KTP jobs through individual university recruitment pages, or if you are interested in a job in Northern Ireland, you can find all KTP jobs at Vacancies or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.